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Lessons from Smallholder-Dominated and Traditional Water Systems in India

Small, Marginal, and Landless Farmers: The Real, Often Invisible Water Users

Before engaging with this article, it is useful to pause and ask a few foundational questions.

1. Should irrigation projects be evaluated only by irrigated area and productivity, or also by the number of people they actually serve?
2. Which systems—large, capital-intensive irrigation projects or traditional water bodies— reach the greatest number of farmers, and how small are those farms in reality?
3. Why do responses to large irrigation challenges continue to focus primarily on engineering and technical outcomes, while comparatively little attention is paid to building strong local people’s institutions capable of managing water equitably?

Finally, what happens to irrigation systems when a significant share of users do not own land at all? Read More

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1) ICID Webinar

The workshop was held in a hybrid mode (11:00–16:00 IST) to enable global participation. The central theme, “Community-Led Water Governance,” is defined on the page as a system where communities collectively plan, manage, monitor, and decide about their water resources, shifting authority from centralized institutions to the local level. Key features listed include local decision-making on allocation, quality, infrastructure, and rules; participatory processes (committees, councils, user groups); shared accountability; Read More

2) Exposure Visit

To mark the occasion of World Water Day 2026, the DHAN Foundation in collaboration with the Water Technology Centre of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) organised an exposure visit for Vayalagam members and DHAN professionals, creating a valuable platform for learning and knowledge exchange. During the visit, scientists from IARI showcased a range of innovative water management and agricultural technologies, including efficient irrigation systems, water conservation practices, and climate-resilient farming approaches. Read More

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Mrs. S. Devi, a resident of Neivasal village in the Thirumayam block operational area and a member of the Elavenil Farmers’ Group, represents a typical small-scale farmer cultivating paddy on one acre of land. The Thirumayam constituency is characterized by rain-fed agriculture, where paddy and groundnut are the major crops. The Elavenil Farmers’ Group was established in 2019 with 17 members, and Mrs. Devi has been an active participant since its inception. Read More

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1) 44th Vayalagam Movement Workers Training

DHAN People Academy (DPA) have successfully completed 44th batch of Vayalagam Movement Workers Training. Field Level Associates from the various Federations of Pambar, Gundar and Vaipar regions participated in 42 Days Movement Workers Training from December 2025 to January, 2026. Read More

2) Leadership Development Programme

The World Water Day celebration, held on 23rd March 2026 alongside the Gundar Basin Leaders Training, brought together basin leaders and selected associates for a focused and meaningful engagement. Read More

Another Leadership training for the leaders from the Kalaiyarkoil Location. A total of 13 participants attended the two-day training program, including one federation coordinator and one Vayalagam associate. A significant number of community leaders were engaged as trainers during the two-day program, which created a positive impact among the participants.

3) Cascade management programme

Two batches of Cascade Management training programme has been conducted for the Gundar Region. Totally 74 leaders were selected and given the training to effectively manage the Cascades in their region. Read More

4) Water Immersion Programme

The two-day Water Immersion Programme provided exposure to community-based water conservation and institutional development models. The programme combined classroom sessions and field exposure visits. We had sucfully inaugurated the 2 nd water immersion programme. 20 vayalagam farmers participated this event. All participants from Kottayam, Kerala. Read More

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The Silver Jubilee celebration of the Vayalagam Mutual Movement (VMM) commenced with the Vayalagam Prayer, followed by a formal welcome address by Mr. Durairaj, President of VMM. He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished chief guests, community leaders, Neerkattis from various regions, and Vayalagam executives. Read More

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1) IARI Event

The World Water Day programme on 22 March 2026 at WTC, ICAR-IARI, will commence at 10.30 AM with the ICAR Song and lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address and context-setting by Dr. P.S. Brahmanand on water resource utilization in agriculture with a special focus on gender. A rapid brainstorming session featuring farmers from six states, titled "Empowering Farm Women through Water Literacy and Governance," will be presented by Shri N. Janaki Raman (Dhan Foundation) alongside WTC, ICAR-IARI. Read More

2) Bihar

The World Water Day 2026 celebration was organized by the DHAN Foundation in collaboration with Axis Bank Foundation on March 22, 2026, at Kaushalya Regency, Lakhisarai. The event began with registration, a welcome address by Mr. Rakesh Kumar Dey, and traditional rituals including Lighting the Lamp and Water Worship. Read More

3) CURE

4) Kolar Region

A meaningful awareness program was organized at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kolar, on World Water Day, with active participation from 104 members of AFGs, Vayalagams, and Federations. The event, graced by dignitaries from Canara Bank, Water.org, Agriculture Department, and KVK, focused on sustainable water management and community responsibility. Read More

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